Tips for First Time RV Adventurers

You’re ready to embark on the open road for your maiden voyage in your RV. How exciting! Few things compare to the thrill of that first trip. But few things can be as stressful as that first trip. You don’t want to forget to bring or do anything (and hurt your trip in the process). Below are some tips for making the most of your first RV adventure. Don’t forget you can always stop by your local RV dealer, Howdy Ranch RV Co. in Mathis, Texas, for more advice or for supplies. It’s also a great place to check out RVs for sale.

Planning Your Trip

Going on an RV trip is a complicated endeavor, from loading up all your supplies to coordinating all the details of your trip. A little prep time goes a long way (and helps reduce pre-trip stress). Booking your campsite ahead of time ensures you get a spot, which is much less aggravating than driving around in the dark looking for a site. Campsites book up fast, especially at popular locations or popular travel times, so make your reservation as soon as possible. It’s good to plan for the worst (while hoping for the best of course).

Also be sure to prepare for emergencies by bringing spare water, extra non-perishable meals like a hearty can of soup, along with a first aid kit, bug spray in case of a mosquito infestation, ponchos in case of a downpour, and so on. Make sure you have enough equipment (like propane to heat your RV) and your RV is running smoothly. You can always stop by your local RV dealer for supplies.

A huge part of trip planning is food planning. You want to avoid overpacking (there’s no need to clutter your kitchen and have to lug all that food back home). You want to avoid underpacking (no one wants to substitute beef jerky for a meal). Taking some time to plan your meals helps you bring the right amount of food. To minimize your time spent in the kitchen, freeze meals ahead of time or double your recipes to use as leftovers for the next meal.

Packing Your Supplies

One easy way to make packing easier is to keep travel-sized supplies (like toiletries and cooking equipment) stocked in the RV. That way, there’s less you need to lug from your house into the RV. You can get cheap supplies at your local thrift store, dollar store, or clearance sections of grocery stores. For the rest of your supplies that you’ll need to load up, make a list to ensure you don’t forget anything. When you pack up your supplies, focus on space saver techniques. For example, store your clothes with the army rolling method.

Last Minute Checks

Your trip is planned and your RV is packed. Run through these few last minute checks to feel fully confident about your upcoming journey. Lists are your friend! Use a meal plan list to double check your packed food. Create a trip planning list to ensure all your reservations are booked and confirmed. Build a setup/teardown camp list to feel confident about going through the process.

Practice makes perfect, which is why it’s helpful to do some practice runs. Make sure you know the basics, like leveling your RV, removing and storing the awnings, etc. Drive around your RV to feel comfortable with how it handles, the size of your vehicle, etc. This practice will help you feel more confident on your big day!

You’ve planned, organized, and practiced. Now it’s time for the real deal. You’ve done the hard work. Now is your time to relax and enjoy your trip. Remember that even seasoned RV pros forget items or park crooked their first attempt, so cut yourself slack. If you need parts or services before your trip, stop by Howdy Ranch RV Co. We are an RV dealer with lots of parts and RVs for sale. We serve those in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Victoria, Rockport, Laredo, and McAllen, Texas. Let us help get you supplies for your first RV adventure!